Get Out the Vote

The “Get Out the Vote” campaign invited AIGA members to create
nonpartisan posters and videos that inspire the American public to
participate in the electoral process and vote in the 2012 general
election. AIGA hosted an exhibition in New York City, October 3–November 30, 2012, featuring the 2012 Get Out the Vote project, at the AIGA National Design Center.

All posters are available as PDFs here in the online gallery for you to browse and share with friends. Print out your favorite posters and hang them around your neighborhood to help Get Out the Vote!

About this project

Get Out the Vote, an AIGA Design for Democracy initiative, enables
designers to engage in the public arena by contributing to a
coordinated voter mobilization campaign. By motivating eligible citizens
to register and turn out on election day, Get Out the Vote fulfills an
ongoing AIGA objective of demonstrating the value of design to the
public, public officials and business by providing a clear call to
action for an activity that is important to everyone. If you have questions related to Get Out the Vote, please contact us.

The concept for this design emphasizes the fragility of the right to vote and illustrates a slow, loss of freedom to participate in the electoral process. This stark and dingy image is meant to call to action those who might take this civic duty for granted.

I went with the simple idea that as Americans, we are all in this together and we do have an right or maybe even an obligation to take part in the direction of our county. The hope is, that all Americans want what’s best for this nation and the people in it. We may have different ideas about what that is or how to obtain it, but despite our differences we get together as a nation in the form of elections to chart a course. I chose to use the boat/ship reference for many reasons. The first reason was that I felt this type of ship has strong historical significance in the early years of this great nation and it’s journey to freedom. Second, it also serves well as a metaphor for a free United States of America. A well build ship, maned by a crew in the open water, trying to stay on course, afloat, and strong. As Americans we must all take part to crew this ship. All hands on deck!

Our right to vote every four years in this country is not something to take for granted. Let’s work together so that everyone is heard this November, so that we all feel apart of our democratic process.

Women in history have fought hard for the rights we have today. As contemporary women living in America we must honor the work of those that took a stand before us, we too need to take a stand and be heard in November 2012. We must not take for granted the rights we have, but must continue the fight to keep what has been earned, as well as pass on a better place for the young women of tomorrow.

This poster is inspired by a kaleidoscope. I encourage everyone to look at the upcoming election as an opportunity to envision the future of this country; to imagine a future in which the colors are distilled from the experiences of the senses, and the design drawn from the convultions of the intellect.

Where we are today didn't just happen over night. It took years of blood, sweat, and tears from individuals we have never met. This poster demonstrates just how long, and gives a glimpse of when certain laws were passed to provide the right to vote.

The US flag stands for the original colonies and the current states, therefore representing unity of the American people. For the citizens of the US, its image should invoke sentiments of patriotism, encouraging them to exercise their democratic right. To support this idea the stripes have been separated to spell out the word vote.

I've designed a vibrant poster for the 2012 "Get Out the Vote" campaign, hoping to catch the eye of younger voters. This dynamic poster should appeal to voters of all ages, encouraging them to Vote in 2012 Elections.

With great freedom comes great responsibility. This poster is in the spirit of promoting active democracy and empowers the individual in establishing sturdy checks and balances on his or her political system. Dialogue with people paid to be in healthy relationships with you, because that is not your ex's job anymore. An earlier version of this design was distributed in Zuccotti Park as stickers in October 2011.

Many people consider voting to be non-important, but free elections are the very thing that our country's democracy was build upon and is one of the main reasons why our democratics system has benn so successful. This poster shows that voting is an action that truly makes a difference, like the comic book heroes we love to read about as Americans. We too can make a difference like them and vote for who we feel is the best candidate for the position. Whatever it may be, from a local mayor election to a national presidential election with international consequences, voting makes a difference in our lives, today and everyday.

My poster focuses on the core idea to the question of why we vote. Our votes are essentially equivalent to our voices, our opinions, our intentions, and our plans for the future. Our votes matter because our voices matter, be it individually as person or collectively as people.

The poster uses old-style layout with sensibility of modern design to reflects the traditions and prides of our democracy.

Being an individual is the right to express oneself and make a choice. Its is the the right to declare yourself as someone with a voice. It is being able to make a difference for not only for yourself but for the next generation. Individuality is the right to vote and stand out in order to gain freedom.

Its about making a difference that makes us as a youth very important. About make history by voting and getting a high vote count. The facts do not lie. the youth is one of the worst voting demographics yet they are the ones that have to live will the laws created through their lifetimes.

The right to vote is one of the fundamental precepts upon which this nation was built. The goal of this imagery is to get people excited about making their voices heard at the polls. This November, exercise your right. Get out and vote!

Apethetic voters seem to think that their one little vote counts. However, a large number of recent contest have come down to very small margins including this contest with an exact tie. Just one small vote could have made all the diffference.

Since its inception, the United States has prided itself on being a melting pot of individuals and families from every culture around the world. And as the history of our nation unfolds, we continue to be united…united in our diversity and by our patriotism. From coast to coast there is beauty to be found in the music of different languages preserved…and pride of one striving to speak English as they acclimate to their new home. And contentment can be found in the fact that regardless of our assorted shades of melanin, our hope is in the red, white and blue.

As another vital election approaches, there will be heated discussions, contradicting reports and mixed messages. But one truth remains: We are Americans first. United. It is time to recognize that amid our diversity – our multiple languages and skin shades, our sides of the fence, our varying perspectives – we must stand together. United.

Your vote is your voice and November 6th is a day when you can make make it heard. Having opinions is important, but if you don't take advantage of this valuable opportunity to make a social stand, your voice will become a signal lost in space. Cast your vote in November and urge your family and friends to make an impact on the future of the country we live in.

Whether you're a Republican, or Democrat, or neither, pull yourself away from telling others how they should think or feel about politics, and voice your own opinion in it's most appropriate forum. A ballot box.

I have never been one who is excited about voting. Quite frankly, I have never felt like my vote has counted. When the subject of voting was brought up in conversation, a friend mentioned this quote which had hit me hard. After rearranging the words, I discovered VOTE was in the quote. I went for a messy/brushy feel to represent the Graffit Street Art movement.

The past few years have been a tumultuous battleground for protesters and people fighting for what they believe in (2011 being the Year of the Protester, according to "Time" magazine), but the biggest and best way to get their voices heard is to transform their voice with the pencil and mark their ballots.

People need to be reminded of the great privilege they have to live in a free, democratic society. What would our country be like if no one voted? What would be the consequences of living in a country where the people didn't have a voice and choice about the way the government is run? The result would be a loss of freedom and the government would decide for them. By failing to exercise the right to vote, Americans forfeit their rights, power and freedom.

This poster aims to display in a simple direct way the concept of losing your freedom.

The Every Road Leads to Vote poster utilizes American road signs to illustrate the idea that there are no excuses for no voting. Whatever the circumstances you should be able to show up to cast your vote.

The interstate sign shape provides a statewide awareness or involvement. The right and left arrow signs subtly represent any political preference a citizen might have. The blue sky in the background brings in optimism in the future, and having the signs on one side of the poster creates the illusion of being on the side of the road.

Registering to vote without a fixed address is definitely a roadblock to homeless and low income people. But the law states that, "a homeless person should be able to vote even if they don't live in a traditional dwelling, you can register even if you are living on the street."

This poster addresses one of the reasons why people chose not to vote, their feeling that their one vote doesn't matter, or doesn't count. By illustrating the election ballot as almost a blueprint for our future, and the letterform Vote as a three dimensional, tangible thing that can define the possibilities that result from voter participation, it tries to communicate the idea that every vote matters. Every vote helps us plan out our country's future.

My poster is based on the silly Internet meme that started to become popular in 2011 called "X all the Y." The meme originated from a well-known blog called Hyperbole and a Half, where the main character from the blog entry (which I have re-created in my poster) exclaims "Clean all the things!!!!!"

The poster is funny and will definitely relate to college aged students, hopefully encouraging them to get out and vote for all the things!

Regardless of our political differences,voting is the act that brings us all together and make us think through our choices, helps to promote compromise,and is the one action through which we are a united country.

In many cultures, religious practices, and memorials, water serves a sacred role and is used to cleanse, renew, provide rebirth, symbolizes peace or grace, is reflective and calm, but is still also tangible, fresh and full of life. I found it fitting to use water (in a subtle way) as a reference for 'cleansing' society of injustice, which can happen through the active and tangible ritual of voting.I also wanted to use my young son’s tub crayons for the word ‘vote’ to symbolize the importance of thinking about those we vote for, who can’t yet speak for the injustices they may face.

A poster created from equal parts blue and red. The white is what binds the two together. The distractions, also in white, can keep us together or spread us further apart. We place so much attention on things of lesser importance and when it comes to voting, so many people do not make the time.

It is important to remember that, as a democracy, our country only runs with a mix of differenciating opinions. As a nation, we are divided on certain lines, but should be brought together every election to vote. This way we can blend our ideas to make a diverse government that will keep our country both fair and interesting.

Following the theme, I created a poster that celebrates our land. This country is filled with unique places and history takes places at various levels, including: local, state, regional and national levels. Go out and vote 4 our land!

Simple, bold, and playing off a favorite childhood Dr. Seuss rhyme, this poster was created to inspire everyone to vote. No matter who you are or which political party you are affiliated with, it's important that everyone votes.

America's strength as a nation is both fully realized and also furthered when we come together for a common goal despite individual party affiliations or individual stands on issues. Therefore, getting involved in voting is at the center of our strength as a nation--and only together is our nation truly strong.

The United States of America is a nation built by voters. The most effective method to get the attention from our government is voting. As of 2012, there are millions of people from around the world still fighting for this very basic citizens' rights. The right to vote. The right to elected their own government.

In United States of America, if you don't vote, your voice could not be heard.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census Report, 70.4 million women voted in 2008, as compared to 60.7 million men — a difference of 9.7 million votes. This shows that women have the power to take more control over the issues that so greatly effect them in this election cycle. Don't let your voice go unheard. Vote.

The United States of America was built by voters. If you want to be heard from our government, the most effective method is voting. In 2012, there are million of people from around the world who are battling for this the basic rights of citizens. The right to vote.

America is the land of the free but we must not take that for granted. If we all get out and vote for what we believe in then we can preserve our land and freedom. For my design, I wanted to encompass that thought and to represent American soil. I used a quote from Elmer Davis, a well known reporter from the 1940's-50's. I created the word "VOTE" out of blades of grass that were set in soil. I took a photograph from above and implemented it into my poster.

I used a typographic apporach that includes a tongue-in-cheek play on words (i.e. Lazy Bum). The message is pretty straightforward and implies that some Americans simply do not vote because they are lazy. It's sad but true. I want to encourage people to stand up — get off the couch and away from the TV — and make that simple trip to the voting booth. Voting is a wonderful honor and powerful privelege that we have in this country, so we should stand tall and get out and vote with an abundance of pride and dignity.

To take simple words from our vocabulary and display them in a way that makes the reader take a second look. The words chosen all start with the same two letters but have completely different meanings. However, they are all ways that one can voice their vote and be devoted to electing the next president.

Women's issues such as health care, reproductive rights and workplace equality are at a prominent and precarious point in politics right now. That is why it is critical for women -- and all the men that support them -- to have their voices heard this election.

The piece is based off of the declaration of independence's main thoughts and how they apply to this year's voting. The piece is nonpartisan in every way in the main statement of "all men are created equal" along with the action words of motivation, action, and involvement. Each of these things are what all americans should be doing to implement the government they wish to see in place.

I wanted to design a poster with bold colors and messaging, along with some playful typography. Each letter playing with postive and negative space and looking at how each letter interacts with each other. Get out and vote!

I wanted to rally all the different political voices of country around one word: vote. Even though some of the forms jarringly diverge and converge into each other, the overarching message which resonates through their overlaps still communicates.

The imagery represents how a single vote can make a difference. The various elements in the design refer to Chaos Theory's hypothothesis that something that is even small can effect the out come of something large. The path of the butterfly uses a single "Lorenz Orbit", the font used for the word VOTE is Chaos-Theorie, and the color purple was chosen to represent the two parties.

To get out the vote, I leveraged a medium that harkens back to the days of our founding fathers (and mothers)—and an often overlooked form of graphic design. Handwork evokes a sense of Americana, and I like that it is an art form practiced almost exclusively by women. The message is simple: Voting is essential to the strength of our society because then our leaders reflect the values of the majority and not just a small, determined group.

As one of our country's most historic president's, Abraham Lincoln produced the most eloquent quotes and speeches that continue to live on in our country's history books. This quote is no exception. As we vote this November, we need to take a look at not only the who, but the why – why this country came to be so strong. That is because of our right to vote.

I always wonder why people do not vote. There is so much to gain by being an active member of our democracy. To visually communicate this message and to create a call to action for all that see it I decided to write out what I "get" when I vote, what everyone will "get" when they vote. The visual focus is on the actual action, "GET OUT AND VOTE."

The image of the red and the blue channels needing to be "registered" correctly through appropriate lenses seemed an almost obvious metaphor for the blurred vision of our red-blue "color war". Perhaps it's mere retro fantasy to think that we can simply put on some glasses, gain proper perspective and then get together, but it's a vision many of us want, and one that needs to take place if we are truly going to be the "united".

Looking at this as a call to action piece, one aspect I wanted to get across is the importance of doing your research before voting. Voting is responsibility, we owe it to ourselves to not simply vote for something because we've "heard" about it, we need to research the topics so that we can make a informed and educated decision.

For me Voting is a very important part of being an American. Whether you're born a citizen, or you take the Oath of Allegiance for Naturalization.. it is a privilege!! A privilege to make a difference, to have our voice heard, In many ways it's a patriotic way of making a difference and what is more patriotic than an American flag.

Inspired by the rise in voter apathy I wanted to show how each individual vote contributed to the nations key decisions. To do this I built up the large X from all the smaller Xs much like tiles in a mosaic.

The video shows how some people do not care to vote, because they believe their vote doesn't matter. Even though some people do not vote, they certainly have opinions on political subjects. Because they have opinions, they need to vote, otherwise their opinions would not be heard where it counts.

I wanted to use personification to portray the iconic animals from each political party in a vintage boxing poster environment. This poster depicts a humorous brawl between the animals and is eye catching with the main points expressed through hierarchy in type.

In many countries, a finger dipped in dark, often purple ink, is a dual icon. It stands for the integrity of a democracy free of voter fraud, and is an outward symbol of the pride inside those who can freely say "I voted."

This is just my take on the get out the vote campaign. "Vote Like You Mean It" represents the need to inject passion back into the presential campaign. Don't just take voting for granted vote like it matters because everybodies future is on the line. Voting in its essence to me is that important.

Using visual pun, I have referenced the act of placing your vote in the ballot box. The idea is to get that warm, fuzzy feeling, from voting, that you got putting a valentine in that special someone's valentine box.

An attempt to debunk the myth that your vote doesn't count. So many people have given up voting because they feel that their voice is insignificant. Your voice is only insignificant if you do not exercise your rights. Get out the vote!

Many young adults believe that their single vote does not have enough impact to make a difference. As a result, they remain apathetic and do not vote on election day. The truth is, your vote does count.

The average young adult spends 7 hours and 38 minutes consuming media every day. It is crucial for these young adults to take advantage of their consumption of media to research the issues, use their best judgement to formulate opinions, and VOTE.

This poster's message is trying to promote enthusiasm for voting and to empower those people who are into voting to encourage other to vote as well. Enthusiasm is contagious and a shift in the perception of voting may yield higher turnouts. While this poster targets almost everyone who is eligible to vote in the United States, its style gears it towards the encouragement of youth voters to develop interest and share it with their peers.

This poster reflects the moto "Good Design Makes Choices Clear" with a simplistic approach. The color scheme and typographic choices made, allow this poster stand out and scream "VOTE"! Not to mention, the visuals provided give the viewers a reminder/lecture to go out and vote).

The main reason I believe people don’t go out and vote is because of their lack of knowledge about the campaign through the advertising tactics. Politics always seem so overwhelming and in your face that often times I feel like most people would rather ignore it than soak it in and learn about it. With all of the media and advertising that is done, I feel like most of it is very ineffective and all looks the same. If the youth doesn’t know how to vote or who to even vote for, then why would they put the effort towards registering and going to vote? This I believe is the problem among young voters. I want to encourage the younger audience to learn more and go out and vote (especially if it is their first time being able to vote) because it is important, and it is something that has always been a large part of our culture. These days I feel like it is so hard for first-time voters to really understand themselves who they want to vote for and why. I want them to take action and vote, and take the time to really learn who you are voting for and what they represent. I feel like there should be a certain part of the campaign that really targets this group because there are emerging adults coming into this world and we want them to have a say.

Voting is a personal decision. Every individual must come to understand and appreciate the power inherent in our voice, our perspective and opinions. Casting a vote is not only about choosing one candidate over another, it is the way to speak up and become part of the social process. This poster serves as a direct call to action; focused and informative: remember the date and act. The interaction within the typography serves as a reminder of the duality and profound importance of participating in this democratic process, as each vote interacts with others to achieve a desired collective outcome.

The idea behind his poster was to involved the children's rhymes into the politics of today. many people have this opinion that their vote doesn't matter and having a distanced point of view. The poster is supposed to engage the audience through light humor but still get the message out of every vote matters.

In 1824, none of the four Presidential candidates received an electoral majority. The election was again thrown into the House of Representatives, where John Quincy Adams defeated front runner Andrew Jackson by one vote to become the nation’s 6th president.

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